Dragon Slaying Legend
In the rolling countryside of Wormingford, Essex, lies the infamous Bloody Meadow, a field steeped in medieval legend. It's said that a fearsome dragon, impervious to arrows, once roamed this very land. The beast's reign of terror was brought to an end by the brave Sir George de la Haye, who slew the creature in a nearby field. This tale of dragon slaying has been etched into local folklore, with the nearby church proudly recounting the story of Sir George's valour.
Historical records suggest that this legend may have originated in the fifteenth century, a time of great turmoil and myth-making in England. Interestingly, a virtually identical tale exists from nearby Bures, sparking debate among historians about the possible connections between the two accounts. While the details of the dragon's existence are shrouded in mystery, the impact of this legend on local culture is undeniable. The story has become an integral part of the region's heritage, drawing in curious visitors and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
Fifteenth-century England, a time of myth and legend
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Headless Lady of Mount Bures
Bridge Street, Mount Bures
Mount Bures, a tiny village in Essex, is home to a rather unsettling apparition known as the Headless Lady. This ghostly figure has been spotted on Bridge Street, specifically over the bridge that spans Craig's Brook. The spirit is said to appear at midnight, a time when the village is usually deserted, and is recognised by its unusual habit of holding its head under one arm. Despite the lack of a known history behind this phantom, its appearance has been documented as a reoccurring phenomenon.
The Grey Greyhound of Sycamore Farm
Sycamore Farm, Alphamstone
Sycamore Farm in Alphamstone, Essex, is home to a most peculiar and intriguing haunting. One night in the late 1940s, a farmer was startled by a strange creature in his chicken coop. He quickly grabbed his shotgun and fired at the creature, but it managed to escape by running through the wire netting. The farmer examined the scene the next morning, only to find no holes in the netting or footprints of the dog. This bizarre incident has left many questions unanswered and has become a fascinating tale of the paranormal.
Ghostly Apparitions in Colchester
Defoe Crescent, Colchester
Defoe Crescent in Colchester has been home to a rather unsettling phenomenon. Residents have reported seeing figures in their homes, described as dark shadows with no faces. These apparitions seem to be able to pass through walls, adding to the eerie atmosphere. The haunting, which was first reported in 1996, has left many wondering if their homes are indeed haunted. Some residents have also reported hearing sounds of children playing, which only adds to the mystery.
The Trotting Man of Stanway
Turkey Cock Lane, Stanway
In the quiet streets of Stanway, a peculiar ghostly figure has been spotted making its way down Turkey Cock Lane. The Trotting Man, as he's come to be known, appears to materialise out of thin air, specifically through a quickthorn hedge. He then proceeds to walk down the lane, hands deep in his pockets, before turning towards the old London Road. His slow and deliberate movements are said to be quite unnerving, and it's not hard to see why this ghost has captured the imagination of locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
Colchester Hospital Ghostly Apparition
Colchester Hospital, Colchester
Colchester Hospital, a place where life and death walk hand in hand, is said to be home to a rather unusual ghostly presence. On one occasion, a doppelganger of an old woman was spotted in bed on Ward Eight. The apparition was reportedly that of a living old woman, which has left many to wonder about the nature of this paranormal encounter. Was it a case of mistaken identity or a genuine ghostly manifestation? Whatever the explanation, this strange sighting has contributed to the hospital's reputation as a hub of paranormal activity.
Golden Warrior of Lexden
Belgic, Lexden
Belgic, a site steeped in history, is home to an intriguing legend about a Golden Warrior. This ancient barrow, dating back to the Bronze Age, has sparked imagination and curiosity among locals and historians alike. The story goes that a warrior clad in gold was buried here, but when excavated in 1924, archaeologists found gold and silver objects, though no golden warrior. This discovery only adds to the mystique of the site, leaving many to wonder about the truth behind the legend.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Bloody Meadow
Brook Red Lion Hotel
Colchester, Essex

The Rose and Crown
Colchester, Essex

Bull Hotel
Long Melford, Suffolk

Swan Hotel
Babergh District, Suffolk